Kick off to parks and recreation master plan

A comprehensive plan to examine and determine the city of Birmingham Parks and Recreation Master Plan process for 2024-2028 is beginning, and the city wants all residents to participate and have their voices heard.

The Parks and Recreation Master Plan aims to continue to enhance Birmingham's world-class parks and recreation system by ensuring it caters to the diverse needs and desires of the community. In order to achieve that goal, the city has partnered with McKenna to develop several engagement opportunities with a wide range of accessibility.

There will be four “field days” to invite the public in to various stages of the planning process. The field days will play a pivotal role in establishing goals, objectives and the overall vision and direction of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan.

Residents can join the parks and recreation committee and city staff at Shain Park on June 28 at 7 p.m. at In the Summer Concert; at Booth Park for Movies in the Park on July 14 from 5-7 p.m.; at Kenning Park on August 5 from noon to 4 p.m. for Saturday in the Park; and at the Farmers Market on September 13 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Residents can learn about the engagement process and share feedback online via the city’s public engagement platform, Engage Birmingham, at engage.bhamgov.org/parks-recreation-master-plan. The site features a variety of customizable interaction opportunities, including surveys, parks comment map and more.

"We are excited to involve our community in the planning process for our parks and recreation system. Your input will shape the future of our city, creating vibrant spaces that reflect the needs and desires of our residents,” said Scott Zielinski, director, department of public services.